Manly release Blake Green from NRL deal

Nov 20, 2017 - 5:56 AM
Manly have released Blake Green from the final year of his contract in a move that could pave the way to sign disgruntled Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce.

Pearce is believed to have requested a release from the final two seasons of his current deal, two weeks after the club lured Kangaroos star Cooper Cronk to be their halfback.

Pearce had been linked with a number of clubs, including Newcastle and Cronulla, however is now a genuine possibility to join the Sea Eagles following Green's exit.

Green has long been tipped to join the Warriors on a three-year deal, and the Sea Eagles on Monday confirmed the veteran playmaker would depart the club immediately.

"The club has been advised that Blake has received an opportunity to continue his NRL career elsewhere... (we've) agreed to release him now,'' Manly CEO Lyall Gorman said in a statement.

Gorman admitted the club was unlikely to extend the contract of the 31-year-old Green when his current deal expired at the end of next year.

He is now set to link with Warriors star Shaun Johnson as the club looks to rebuild after a disastrous 2017 campaign where they lost their final nine games.

"By granting his request, it enables Blake and his young family the chance to secure their future and at the same time give our club the opportunity to go into the market to find the right replacement for him," Gorman said.